Public schools across Utah are set to receive a significant boost in funding for the 2026–27 school year, with local schools in Sevier County among those benefiting from a record-setting distribution through the state’s School LAND Trust program.
According to the School and Institutional Trust Funds Office (SITFO), Trust Lands Permanent Funds will distribute $134 million statewide next school year—an increase of nearly 20 percent over last year’s $111 million. The increase reflects strong financial performance from trust land management and investments, along with the first-year impact of voter-approved Amendment B, which raised the annual distribution cap from 4 percent to 5 percent.
For the Sevier School District, that translates to approximately $1.1 million in School LAND Trust funding, an increase of $162,200 from the previous year. These funds will be distributed among district schools—including those serving North Sevier communities—based on student enrollment.
Superintendent Cade Douglas said the funding plays a critical role in supporting students across the district.
“State Trust Lands are essential to each of our twelve schools in providing intervention support as well as innovation and acceleration opportunities to students,” Douglas said. He explained that funds are allocated through school community councils made up of elected parents, teachers, and school leaders, allowing each school to address its most pressing needs.
Douglas, who also serves as vice-chair of the Utah Trustlands Advisory Board to the Utah State Board of Education, praised the long-term management of the trust system. “In my opinion, Utah Trust Lands are among the best managed in the country, as demonstrated by the steady and healthy growth of the fund,” he said. “These funds are a lifeline to students in Sevier County Schools and are a consistent source of support as we work to meet the needs of students and families.”
School LAND Trust funds are used to supplement—not replace—traditional education funding. Locally, they often support academic interventions, technology upgrades, class-size reduction, and enrichment opportunities that schools might not otherwise be able to provide.
Statewide, the funds originate from trust lands granted to Utah at statehood. Revenue from leases, development, and land use is invested to generate ongoing support for public education and other state institutions. Since 1994, Utah’s combined permanent trust funds have grown from $50 million to more than $4.1 billion.
Schools will receive formal notification of their individual allocations this week, giving local administrators and school community councils an early look at the resources available for the upcoming school year.
